2018 Ag Week

March 18-24, 2018

Reporter

FERTILIZING • SPRAYING • SEEDING • COVER CROP SEED

MARK GAERTE

419-769-6601

[email protected]
www.gaerteagservice.com

Precision Aerial Application • Serving Ohio, Indiana & Michigan

Gaerte Ag Service Reports Services Did You Know - Facts About GMOs
That Protect Water Quality
Genetically modified
Defiance, OH. Local ag applicator, “Ag retailers, farmers and their fami- foods, or GMOs, have LOOK FOR “8”... Genetically modified will have a bar
Gaerte Ag Service LLC, has been actively lies hunt, fish, boat and swim, and want been a topic of heated code that starts with the digit “8.”
participating in the Partnership for Ag to produce great quality, affordable food conversation. People have
Resource Management for the past two in ways that protect our water resourc- strong opinions on both FARM HARD REWARDS
years, and recently became a corporate es,” reports Dr. Thomas Green, who di- sides of the debate.
member, to increase sales of products rects the Partnership. “We’re impressed Ê SAVE INSTANTLY
and services that reduce phosphorus fer- by the tremendous progress being made In January 2014, re- WHEN PURCHASE
tilizer losses from cropland. by Gaerte Ag Service in educating farmer tail giant General Mills TWO OR MORE
customers about these opportunities that decided to produce GMO-
In 2011 with support from the Great have helped their company keep phos- Free Cheerios, one of its $25 back on Destination
lakes Protection Fund, the Partnership phorus on cropland, improving yields and most popular and well- Farm Radial Tires*
for Ag Resource Management (PARM) ini- reducing costs for farmers.” known cereals. This move
tiated a project with Sandusky River Wa- now makes shopping for $100 back on all eligible
tershed ag retailers to identify, promote “ The Partnership for Ag Resource a GMO-free cereal that Radial & Bias Tires*
and track products and service that re- Management group has compiled and much easier.
duce phosphorus (P) losses from crop- tabulated the data of the farmer- grow- $200 back on select
land, improving water quality. The effort ers and applicators of the Great Lakes However, finding other AD2 Radial Tires*
expanded to the Great Lakes Basin (GLB) Basin watershed’s efforts to keep nu- products that do not con-
in 2015. Sixty-two ag retail locations trients in place and out of the Maumee tain GMOs may not be so *On selected tires thru April 30, 2018
participated in the 2016 season survey, and its tributaries. Thru annual surveys simple, and consumers
representing more than 4.7 million acres they keep data on participant’s conser- may have to do some re- Call for details!
serviced. vation practices, we voluntarily provided search. Food companies
our data to them and found we are doing in the United States are m.e.Miller tire
Products and services provided by quite a bit of good here within the GLB. I not required to label foods “Serving Rural America for 48 years”
Gaerte Ag Service included cover crop in turn think the Partnership’s efforts to to indicate use of GMOs. It
application, cover crop seed sales and report for all of us here in the Agricultural is safe to assume that corn 17386 State Hwy 2 419-335-7010
weather consideration before fertilizer ap- industry within the GLB is very positive and soybeans produced Wauseon OH 43567 800-621-1955
plication. Cover crops are seeded in late program. It shows our agricultural com- in the United States are
summer to sustain ground cover over munity’s commitment to doing its part genetically modified. Pa-
winter. Maintaining ground cover helps in helping keep our water clean our soil payas are often modified
reduce soil erosion, and holds nutrients fertile and our recreation opportunities as well. Produce that has
in the crop instead of remaining on the along this watershed top notch! I applaud been genetically modified
surface where fertilizers are subject to the Partnership in helping us tell our side will have a bar code that
runoff into nearby waterways. Gaerte Ag of the story,” said Gaerte. “ I think having starts with the digit “8.”
Service’s consideration of weather be- an independent group report our progress One way to avoid GMOs is
fore fertilizer application also assisted adds some credibility to our efforts. There to buy only organic foods,
in keeping costly inputs on fields. Heavy have been mandated changes in the re- which, in many instances,
rain events are increasing in severity and cent past dictating fertility applications are GMO-free thanks to
frequency each year, making sustainable in our watershed, I believe this reporting stringent regulations.
approaches to farm management increas- tool will allow our grower customers to
ingly important shine in the light of the progress we are In terms of other foods,
making that go above and beyond just the it very well may be a
As a result of Gaerte Ag’s efforts, our requirements. I like having the estimat- guessing game. Speaking
Nutrient Reduction Calculator estimated ed P retention figures calculated, it gives with a brand’s customer
that their facility has prevented an es- our efforts some traction. We have been service department may
timated 3,441 pounds of P from leaving aerially applying cover crops for 10 years be the best way to learn
cropland and entering waterways in the now, so in my mind I multiply that by 10 if they offer any GMO-free
GLB. This is a rough estimate; the cal- years and 34,410 pounds sounds like products.
culator uses an average of estimates for progress! While selling cover crop seed
P-loss reduction from publications in direct to growers who apply it themselves
scientific journals. Cover crop acres re- as well, and not knowing how many acres
ported by the firm for 2017 was 20.00% they are applying to, our impact is even
of their total acres serviced for the year, bigger than we know. If nothing else this
while 19.98% was the average for the is our benchmark and I intend to grow
state of Ohio and 17.51% was the aver- that figure every year going forward for
age for the GLB as a whole. Respectively, the benefit of the watershed and all those
the firms numbers for 2016 were 27.68% who call it home.”
compared to the 17.38% state avg. and
the GLB 10.53%.

Where Does Your Food Come From?

If you’re like many Americans, the an- people. And the need for food produced in SAVE INSTANTLY WHEN
swer is the grocery store. And frankly, the United States is dramatic. Agriculture YOU BUY TWO OR MORE
that disturbs me. The grocery store isn’t is this nation’s #1 export and vitally im-
where food comes from - it’s just from portant in sustaining a healthy economy. FIRESTONE AG TIRES
where it’s distributed. In reality, far too
many people are unaware of the role of And it’s not just the farmer who makes
American agriculture in their daily lives . our food possible. The entire agriculture
. . and what it really takes to have food on industry, all the way to the grocery store,
their dinner table. are vital links in a chain that brings food
to every citizen - and millions of people
Just a few generations ago, most peo- abroad.
ple were a part of - and had friends or rel-
atives involved with - agriculture. Today, Frankly, it’s easy to take agriculture
that’s no longer the case. That’s why I’m for granted in America. Our food is read-
writing, because agriculture is respon- ily accessible and safe. For this, we’re un-
sible for providing the necessities of life . believably fortunate . . . but that doesn’t
. . food, fiber, clothing, and shelter. And mean we don’t have an obligation to rec-
it’s about time Americans recognize that ognize how it’s made possible.
contribution!
This March 20, 2018, is National Ag
American farmers are working hard- Day, hosted by the Agriculture Council of
er than ever, and it shows. Today, each America. Ag Day is a good time to reflect
American farmer feeds more than 144 - and be grateful for - American agricul-
ture!

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2 - “NATIONAL AG WEEK” TRIBUTE - “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2018

Farm To Table Safety Is Essential When Visiting A Farm
Businesses Booming
The nursery rhyme does not state, “Old MacDon- Part of the excitement of visiting a farm is seeing
Consumers’ appetites for local foods are growing, ald had a farm and on this farm there was a bunch and petting the animals. Although many animals
and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many lo- of dangerous things.” But maybe it should? may be docile and domesticated, they can still be
cal businesses, including farms and restaurants, have unpredictable. Animals that are startled by yelling
mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible Farmers perform an essential service, providing or loud noises also may become restless and dan-
for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced food and other products that consumers commonly gerous.
meals. take for granted. The inner workings of a farm are
something to treat with respect. Most of the families Another inadvertent injury that may occur is
According to the market research firm Packaged who live and work on a farm understand the po- from bacteria or viruses from the animals. It is a
Facts, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in tential hazards of such an environment. However, smart idea to always wash your hands after han-
2014 and will climb to $20.2 billion by 2019. Farm- individuals visiting a farm may be unaware of these dling a farm animal to prevent the spread of disease.
to-table remains a growing trend that benefits farm- dangers. Understanding farm safety helps keep ev-
ers, restaurateurs and consumers. This is evidenced eryone safe. Here are some other precautions that can be tak-
by the rising number of farmers markets cropping en when visiting a farm.
up in neighborhoods all across the country, as well According to the organization Kids Health, the
as the niche offerings by regional food purveyors. The age groups at greatest risk for injury on farms are * Don’t allow children to wander unsupervised.
U.S. Department of Agriculture says that, in the last children ages 3 to 4 and teenagers ages 13 to 14. * Rides on equipment should be discouraged.
20 years, the number of farmers markets has grown Most injuries can be prevented, though, with a little * Before starting machinery, operators should lo-
by more than 350 percent. Many consumers are now education and precautionary measures. cate children and other guests and clear them from
choosing “local” for dining at home and when dining the work area.
out, and this is making a major impact on the nation’s There are many different forms of machinery on a * Don’t allow children near machinery.
food systems. farm to help keep it working efficiently. These items * Children under the age of 16 should not be al-
can pose serious safety risks. Although tractors are lowed to operate any farm vehicles.
Foodies as well as industry experts predict that the the type of farm equipment that causes the most * Watch for hand tools or other equipment, and
local foods movement is a permanent and mainstream injuries, some adults still think it is safe to allow keep children away from them.
trend. In 2014, the National Restaurant Association children to ride along. * Do not touch animals unless a farm worker al-
found the desire for local foods dominated its “Top lows it. Then follow his or her instructions.
Food Trends.” Injuries that may result from farm machinery * Don’t provoke farm animals or
include pinching of clothing or parts of the body, attempt to startle them.
The most in-demands foods include locally sourced where a person may become trapped in the gears * Supervise children around ponds, feeding
meats and seafood as well as locally sourced produce. or components of equipment; cuts from equipment troughs or manure lagoons. It only takes a few inch-
Consumers also are interested in farm/estate-branded that shears crops; bruising or cuts from projectiles es of water to pose a drowning risk.
foods. Some restaurants are even producing “hyper- thrown by mowers or other field equipment; and Farms are interesting places to visit, especially
local” food, or herbs and produce grown right on the crushing or trapping injuries from machinery that for children. Safety should always be a priority.
property. falls or tips over.

As the demand for local foods has evolved, so has Is This The Demise Of The Honeybee?
the term “local foods.” “Local” can be a wide-ranging
term that refers to foods produced in a particular town, HONEYBEES ... Honeybees polli- instrumental in transferring pollen disappearances have been docu-
state or even region. The 2008 Farm Act defines a “lo- nate many of the world’s plants. from plant to plant, which helps mented in the last 100 years, those
cally or regionally produced agricultural food product” But their numbers are on the de- to foster new life for many agricul- incidences have grown considerably
as one that is marketed less than 400 miles from its cline, and the environmental im- tural species. In addition to wild in recent years.
origin. However, a few states have established more pact of that decline is significant. flowers and other plants, bees pol-
stringent rules that indicate “local” constitutes food linate many of the crops that end Officials in the United States
produced within the borders of a state or within a Bees flitting from one newly up as food on dinner tables across Department of Agriculture and the
small perimeter of the state. sprouted flower to another as they the globe. Bees help pollinate more Environmental Protection Agency
collect pollen is one of the more than 90 commercially grown field have not been able to determine
The growing preference for locally produced foods common sights of the spring. Hon- crops, citrus and other fruit crops, why the honeybee population has
is great news for the farmers and small food produc- eybees are content to buzz between vegetables and nut crops. Without undergone such a steep decline,
ers that have long fought for footing among the mega- plants for hours. But in recent years these insects, crop yields would though some believe that a com-
importers. According to the trade publication Produce the honeybee population has de- decrease dramatically, and some plex combination of factors, includ-
Business, even though “local” does not place limits on clined considerably, and scientists foods may cease to exist. Without ing parasites, lack of genetic diver-
the size of the farm, the growing desire among con- and environmentalists continue to bees, food production would dimin- sity, poor nutrition, and pesticides,
sumers to go local is benefitting many small and mid- study and debate why bees seem to ish and the prices of produce would could be responsible. Examination
sized farms, as consumers are increasingly buying be dying out. skyrocket. of dead bees has found residues of
foods grown closer to where they live. more than 100 chemicals, insec-
Although bees are best known Commercial beekeepers in the ticides and pesticides, including
In addition to meats, fruits and vegetables, con- for their honey production, their United States have reported deaths some used to control parasites, in
sumers can find many locally made items that expand symbiotic relationship with nature of tens of thousands of honeybee bee hives.
the potential for farm-to-table. These include, but are goes much further. Honeybees are colonies. Ninety percent of wild bee
not limited to, artisanal cheeses, wines, beer, baked populations in the United States Other factors that come into play
goods, milk and other dairy, and honey. have disappeared, according to Tar- involve climate changes that affect
get Health, Inc. In the Netherlands wildflower production. Without
Local, sustainable foods are in demand, helping not and the United Kingdom, bee spe- wildflowers, bees have no sources
only local restaurants and merchants, but also the cies have declined considerably, of food. Rainy, wet or overly dry
small and medium farms that service these establish- and some have even become ex- weather can wreak havoc on the
ments. tinct. landscape, resulting in fewer flow-
ers and, as a result, a smaller bee
Since 2006, millions of honey- population.
bees have died off due to a phe-
nomenon called Colony Collapse Scientists are still studying the
Disorder, or CCD. CCD refers to situation and working toward a so-
the absence of adult honeybees in lution to restore the honeybee popu-
a colony with few or no adults re- lation. Individuals can do their part
maining. Worker bees simply dis- by keeping plenty of blooming flow-
appear, leaving behind the queen ers in their yards and never killing
and vulnerable developing young. honeybees found on their property.
Bees are not usually known to leave Disturbing an established hive can
the hive unguarded. While similar result in the bees abandoning their
work, leading to even greater losses.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2018 “NATIONAL AG WEEK” TRIBUTE - “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” - 3

Understand Hardiness Zones Before Planting Organic Claims Not Always Accurate
In an effort to live a more
environmentally friendly ORGANIC ... Is organic farming better for you and
lifestyle, consumers have the planet?
embraced organic foods
HARDINESS MAP ... USDA Hardiness Zone map courtesy of the USDA. View an in record numbers. They mainstream foods and ganic foods are more nutri-
interactive version at the USDA website. stand behind the idea that have joined the ranks of tionally sound.
organic products are not commercial food produc-
Gardening benefits the environment in State University’s PRISM Climate Group. only better for them, but tion. Organic foods also may
myriad ways. Maintaining natural land- To help develop the new map, the USDA also better for the planet. contribute to a higher car-
scapes and preserving green spaces can and Oregon State University requested But the claims that organic Even true organic foods bon footprint. Instead of
reduce the collective carbon footprint of that horticultural and climatic experts food is safer, healthier and shipped from small farms using chemical fertilizers
the human race. Trees, flowers and other review the zones in their geographic ar- more eco-friendly may be over short distances may to feed produce, the use of
greenery filter the air and create welcom- eas. As a result, the zone boundaries in more hype than fact. not be able to meet the animal manure may mean
ing habitats for all species of animals and the 2012 edition of the map have shifted hype of the organic moni- clearing out land for graz-
insects. in many areas. CanadaÕs Hardiness Zone The variety of organic ker. Plant physiologist and ing and creating its own
map, updated in 2010, uses nine different products available at spe- biologist Alex Avery’s 2007 problems in off-gassing and
Many home gardeners set out each zones. cialty food stores and more book titled “The Truth water contamination that
spring to create landscapes that cater to traditional supermarkets About Organic Foods” talks has been associated with
all of the senses. But choosing plants that Zone maps are tools that show where has increased consider- about origins of organic raising livestock. Further-
are unlikely to thrive in certain climates permanent landscape plants can adapt. ably. Food purists and en- food and dispels some of more, the U.K. Department
can lead to dissatisfaction and premature Home gardeners who are looking for vironmentalists support the myths that prevail. of Environment and Rural
plant demise and may require garden- shrubs or perennials to last year after year this growing trend. Certi- Avery notes that organic Affairs states, “A shift to-
ers to use more fertilizers, pesticides and should recognize that such plants must fied organic foods are grown foods are not pesticide- wards a local food system,
other not-so-Earth-friendly techniques to tolerate year-round conditions, including without the use of pesti- free because all vegetables and away from a super-
help plants thrive. the lowest and highest temperatures and cides, synthetic fertilizers, contain about five percent market-based food system
the amount of precipitation. Snow cover sewage sludge, genetically of their weight in natural with its central distribution
One of the more important steps gar- and humidity also can impact a plant’s modified organisms or ion- pesticides, some of which depots, lean supply chains
deners can take before spring arrives is to propensity to thrive. izing radiation. Organically may be just as potent as and big, full trucks, might
educate themselves about plant hardiness produced meats are from manmade varieties. Avery actually increase the num-
zones. Hardiness zones are defined by the While zone maps are not perfect, they animals that do not take also notes that more than ber of food-vehicle miles
average climatic conditions of the region can be useful in planning and ensuring antibiotics or growth hor- 95 percent of conventional being traveled locally, be-
and are broken down into various zones. the survival of future gardens. Plant and mones to produce heartier meat and dairy products cause things would move
The USDA Hardiness Zone map divides seed manufacturer Burpee says that other cuts. The USDA National in the United States are to- around in a larger number
North America into 13 separate zones. factors to consider that also affect the via- Organic Program sees to tally free of antibiotics and of smaller, less efficiently
Each zone is marked by 10 F incremen- bility of plants include wind, moisture and it that organic foods meet 99.5 percent of it is free of packed vehicles.”
tal differences from the last zone. In some soil conditions. The company offers an in- these stringent require- synthetic hormones. Only
versions of the map, each zone is further teractive zone finder on their website that ments and also that any one sample in 400 violates Champions of organic
divided into ÒaÓ and ÒbÓ regions. will indicate the hardiness zone as well companies that handle or the antibiotic limits set by foods are sure to stand
as average first and last frost dates. Visit process organic food before the FDA. Avery also states by the claims that organic
The National Gardening Association www.burpee.com/findgrowzone to enter a it gets to the supermarket that there are no nutri- foods are better. Many or-
says the USDA Hardiness Zone Map was zip code. or restaurant are certified tional differences between ganic foods are nutritional-
revised in 2012. The latest version was as well. organic and convention- ly sound and rely on more
jointly developed by the USDAÕs Agri- Learn more about plant hardiness at ally produced foods, which natural growing methods.
cultural Research Service and Oregon planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb. However, consumers debunks the myth that or- Yet consumers should keep
who embrace organic prod- an open mind.
ucts might not be getting
what they think they are.
The term “organic” con-
jures up images of local
produce stands and farm-
ers diligently caring for
their crops. However, as or-
ganic foods have grown in
popularity and the organic
food industry has become a
multi-billion dollar indus-
try, the methods of bring-
ing these foods to a store
near you have changed.

Many smaller organic
businesses have felt the
pressure to keep up with

National Agricultural Career Opportunities Abound & Can Be Rewarding

A career in agriculture can prove richly rewarding. agents and agricultural financiers are just two of the hands dirty. Farms need to be plowed, seeds must be
While it’s common to envision overalls and tractors many career opportunities that enable men and women planted and fertilized and farms need to be well-main-
when imagining careers in agriculture, the opportuni- to work on the business side of agriculture. tained to continue operating efficiently and effectively.
ties to work in the agriculture industry stretch beyond Though technology has taken the place of many agri-
the farm and into the corporate world. The following • Social service: The agricultural industry also has cultural production positions, there are still many op-
are a few of the paths men and women with a passion positions of social service. In addition to food inspec- portunities out there for those who want to work under
for agriculture can pursue. tor, who ensures agricultural products are safe for hu- the sun.
man consumption, social service positions within the
* Business: Agriculture is big business, and the in- agricultural industry include environmental consul- • Education: Those who want to share their love of
dustry has many opportunities for those who want to tant and conservation officer. Men and women can also agriculture with others can put their skills to work in
pursue a career in business. Farmers and producers work to develop programs that encourage youngsters the classroom. Agricultural instructors can train the
of agricultural products need someone to draft con- to pursue careers in the agricultural industry. next generation of agriculture professionals at the uni-
tracts for their agreements with the large corporations versity or high school level, ensuring today’s farms are
who distribute those products. In addition, purchasing • Production: Of course, the agricultural industry left in good hands tomorrow.
has a host of careers for those who want to get their

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4 - “NATIONAL AG WEEK” TRIBUTE - “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2018

Revised Phosphorus Index Can Explore The Small Farm Dream Challenges Facing Farmers
Help Curb Agricultural Runoff At Upcoming Conference Today & Tomorrow

Ohio farmers will soon have access to a newly re- HOME FRESH EGGS ... Is one small town dream. Though farming was once big business in the
vised tool that can quickly and easily tell them their From growing malting barley for craft beer brew- United States, by 2012 less than 1 percent of Ameri-
risk of agricultural phosphorus runoff that could po- ers to managing a thriving pasture poultry farm, the cans were professional farmers. Many challenges
tentially move into Ohio waterways such as Lake Erie. Ohio Small Farm Conference and Trade Show offers face today’s farmers, many of which are largely un-
educational sessions for agricultural activities. known to the general public.
All with the help of an online program. This year’s conference sponsored by Ohio State
The revised Ohio Phosphorus Risk Index is a pro- University (OSU) Extension is entitled, “Living the Many people have an outdated view of a farm as
gram developed by the U.S. Department of Agricul- Small Farm Dream” and will be held on April 7 in a small, family-owned and operated parcel of land
ture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service to help Massillon at the R.G. Drage Career Technical Center, where livestock is raised in open pens and crops are
farmers assess their risk of phosphorus moving off 2800 Richville Drive, SW. Registration for the con- hand-harvested when ripe. The reality is that mod-
farm fields. It will soon allow farmers to input their ference is open and available at go.osu.edu/NEOHS- ern-day farms have had to overhaul operations to
farm-specific data to generate their risk of phosphorus mallFarms meet demand and remain competitively priced while
in agricultural runoff. “With 26 different educational sessions, the con- adapting to the ever-changing ways technology infil-
The revised index is the result of the multiyear On- ference offers something for those just starting a farm trates all parts of life. Each of these factors present
Field Ohio project led by Elizabeth (Libby) Dayton, a and seasoned farmers looking for new ideas and farm obstacles for today’s farmers.
researcher in the College of Food, Agricultural, and management options,” said Rory Lewandowski, OSU
Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State Extension Educator in Wayne County and co-orga- TECHNOLOGY
University. nizer of the conference. Lewandowski said the confer- Rural farming communities are expected to make
The index has significant water quality implica- ence added a two-hour super session on agritourism an effort to integrate modern technology into an in-
tions statewide, considering that misapplied phospho- for farmers looking to diversify their farms that will dustry that has been around for centuries. But such
rus has a high likelihood of degradation Ohio’s sur- be held at a nearby Nickajack Farms. The conference a transition in rural areas, where communications
face water and is a major contributor to harmful algal sessions are divided into five subject matter tracks: systems may not be as up-to-date as those in urban
blooms, experts say. Farm Management, Horticulture, Livestock, Mar- areas, is not always so easy.
The revised phosphorus risk index can help Ohio keting, and Specialty Crops. A complete schedule is According to the Manitoba Rural Adaptation
farmers better work toward meeting the 40 percent available at: go.osu.edu/NEOHSmallFarms Council, a shift from a resource-based to an infor-
phosphorus reduction target in the Western Lake Erie A discounted registration price is available for mation-based economy, compounded by the rapid
Basin, said Dayton, a soil scientist in the college’s those attending the East Ohio Women in Agriculture introduction and expansion of new technology in the
School of Environment and Natural Resources. That Conference on April 6 at the same location, according workplace, has altered farm operation and the skills
is the target agreed to in the 2012 Great Lakes Wa- to Emily Adams, OSU Extension Educator in Coshoc- in demand. Older workers who have been schooled
ter Quality Agreement between the United States and ton County and co-organizer of the conference. In- in one way of agriculture may have a significant im-
Canada. formation about the conference is available at u.osu. pact on labor supply and the vitality of farming as
Scientists believe that a reduction of this size would edu/ohwomeninag. a career. Younger adults who are knowledgeable in
keep algal blooms at safe levels for people and the lake. “Women attending the April 6 conference will have technology may no longer seek out agricultural ca-
“The index provides a long-term, average estimate an opportunity to explore 16 breakout session focus- reers.
of field-scale phosphorus loss based on farmer spe- ing on business and finance, plants and animals,
cific inputs,” Dayton said. “It gives farmers the ability communication, home and family, and special inter- ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
to compare crop management scenarios and evaluate est,” she said. “Both conferences are a great way to Many farmers have come under scrutiny for how
changes in phosphorus runoff, allowing them to pri- network with other farmers and identify areas for op- farming impacts the environment. A growing em-
oritize time and resources when making management portunity and growth.” phasis on sustainability and conservation has led
decisions. The cost of the Small Farm Conference and Trade many people to protest certain farming practices.
“The index quantifies how voluntary changes in Show is $60 for adults and $30 for students. The fee Protesters claim that certain practices, such as
agricultural practices contribute to achieving target includes access to all the sessions, the trade show, raising livestock, can pollute water, while the use
phosphorus runoff reduction goals. If you multiply and lunch. Those also attending the Women in Agri- of fertilizers and chemical pesticides is bad for the
that by the millions of crop acres in Ohio, the 40 per- culture conference can attend both for a discounted environment. Many farmers, however, have altered
cent reduction target appears achievable.” rate of $100 for adults and $50 for students. Regis- their methods to be more environmentally friendly
The need to reduce phosphorus is significant be- tration is available at go.osu.edu/NEOHSmallFarms and self-sustainable in the process.
cause harmful algal blooms are dangerous to both the Climate change is another environmental issue
Lake Erie ecosystem and human health. In 2014, for Women In Agriculture Conference farmers must deal with. Strong storms and severe
instance, toxins produced by a severe bloom in west- droughts have made farming even more challenging.
ern Lake Erie shut down Toledo’s drinking water sup- Ohio State University (OSU) Extension will host the Though it can be easy for those who do not work
ply for two days. 5th Annual East Ohio Women in Agriculture Confer- in the agricultural industry to overlook the struggles
The On-Field Ohio project included runoff monitor- ence. The conference is planned for Friday, April 6 facing today’s agricultural professionals, a greater
ing on 29 farm fields in the Scioto River, Grand Lake from 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at the RG Drage Career understanding of those struggles and challenges.
St. Marys and Western Lake Erie Basin watersheds. Technical Center, 2800 Richville Drive SE in Massillon.
The project collected data on more than 2,000 runoff All women and young women (high school age) who COMPANY
events and more than 14,000 runoff water samples, are interested, involved in, or want to become involved
resulting in more than 42,000 analyses. It also collect- with food, agricultural, or natural resources produc- Since 1981
ed 2,000 soil samples, resulting in more than 8,000 tion or small business are encouraged to attend.
analyses. Post-Frame Buildings
Some of the management practices that were eval- The conference program features a networking fair, Residential Roofs
uated included tillage, soil type, fertilizer placement, sixteen breakout sessions, and two extended break- Commercial Steel
soil phosphorus content, field topography, soil infil- out sessions presented by OSU Extension educators,
tration rate and cover crops. producers and partner agencies. Sessions are focused Martin Steel Roofing provides quality steel roofing at
In addition to revising the Phosphorus Risk Index, around five themes: Business & Finance, Plants & Ani- affordable prices. We specialize in steel roofing
Dayton’s project found that maintaining agricultural mals, Communication, Home & Family and Special In- systems and post-frame buildings.
soil phosphorus levels in accordance with the Tri- terest (branding and online marketing). The keynote
State Fertility Guidelines helps lower the concentra- speaker will be Rose Hartschuh – farm wife, mother, Quality Steel Roof & Building Supplier
tion of phosphorus that is dissolved in agricultural Agvocate, and recent winner of the American Farm Bu- martinssteelroofing.com
runoff. reau Excellence in Agriculture Award. Toll Free: 800-608-3595
And because erosion contributes to the issue, phos-
phorus associated with eroded soil can be curtailed For more information contact: OSU Extension, Holmes
by reducing soil disturbances with practices such as County, 330-674-3015, [email protected]
reduced tillage and by maintaining crop residue or a
growing crop on the field at all times.
“By inputting different crop management scenarios
into the index, farmers can determine what will work
best to reduce their soil disturbance,” Dayton said.
“Reductions in soil disturbance translate into large
reductions in soil erosion and surface runoff of phos-
phorus that is attached to eroded soil, which is the
biggest risk driver for surface phosphorus runoff in
Ohio.”
The On-Field Ohio project was funded through a
$1 million USDA Conservation Innovation Grant and
$1 million in matching donations from Ohio farmer
groups.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2018 “NATIONAL AG WEEK” TRIBUTE - “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” - 5

About National Ag Day

2018 NATIONAL AG DAY ... “Agriculture: Food for Life!”.

What Is Ag Day? Why It Is Important For All
It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance Americans To Celebrate Ag Day?

provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricul-
tural associations, corporations, universities, govern-
ment agencies and countless others across America join
together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Ag Day is celebrated on March 20, 2018. National Ag
Day falls during National Ag Week, March 18-24, 2018.
Who Hosts Ag Day?

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the cam-
paign on a national level. However, the awareness ef-
forts in communities across America are as influential -
if not more - than the broad-scale effort. Again this year,
the Ag Day Planning Guide has been created to help
communities and organizations more effectively host Ag
Day events.

What Is Ag Day All About?
Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the

contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The
National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are
produced.

• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintain-
ing a strong economy.

• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing
safe, abundant and affordable products.

Why Celebrate Agriculture?
Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use

and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly un-
derstand this contribution. This is particularly the case
in our schools, where students may only be exposed to
agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training.

By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of
America is encouraging young people to consider career
opportunities in agriculture.

Each American farmer feeds more than 165 people ...
a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite
simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing
it better. As the world population soars, there is an even
greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the
United States.

What Can I Do to Help? PROVIDING FOR THE FUTURE ... Thank you to agriculture leaders for the abundance provided by America’s agricul-
Put simply, get involved! Your participation in Ag Day ture. We join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture past, present, and future.

is critical in helping us spread this positive message the country. The theme for National the Agriculture Council of America.
about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an Ag Day 2018 is “Agriculture: Food For ACA is a nonprofit organization com-
event, download your Planning Guide today. Of course, Life.” posed of leaders in the agricultural,
there are other ways you can lend your support, includ- food and fiber community, dedicat-
ing sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your On March 20, 2018, ACA will host ing its efforts to increasing the pub-
Congressional representatives or simply sharing infor- major events in the nation’s capital lic’s awareness of agriculture’s role in
mation about agriculture in your community. including an event at the National modern society.
Press Club as well as a Taste of Ag-
The Agriculture Council of Amer- riculture Celebration. Additionally, The National Ag Day program en-
ica (ACA) will host National Agricul- the ACA will bring approximately 100 courages every American to:
ture Day on March 20, 2018. This college students to Washington to de-
will mark the 45th anniversary of Na- liver the message of Ag Day. • Understand how food and fiber
tional Ag Day which is celebrated in products are produced.
classrooms and communities across These events honor National Agri-
culture Day and mark a nationwide • Appreciate the role agriculture
effort to tell the true story of Ameri- plays in providing safe, abundant and
can agriculture and remind citizens affordable products.
that agriculture is a part of all of us.
A number of producers, agricultural • Value the essential role of agri-
associations, corporations, students culture in maintaining a strong econ-
and government organizations in- omy.
volved in agriculture are expected to
participate. • Acknowledge and consider ca-
reer opportunities in the agriculture,
National Ag Day is organized by food and fiber industry.

Visit www.agday.org for more infor-
mation on National Ag Day in 2018.

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6 - “NATIONAL AG WEEK” TRIBUTE - “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2018